F3: Welcome to chapter 5 of Volume 5. We last left off with Ruby and company managing to escape the bandit camp but not Synin and now Yang has to fight her if they are to get away from her but we are going to check back up with Star and company. RWBY is property of Rooster Teeth. With that said Let's Dive In.

Volume 5-5: Corruption

Morning came to Kuchinashi but the clouds were blocking out the sun so it was rather difficult to tell if it was morning or not. Luckily Star and company stayed with Arrastra at her house since it's only her and the house was rather big for only one person to sleep in as everyone had gathered in the kitchen for some morning breakfast as Arrastra was preparing it for all of them.

"Alright here you all go. It's not the greatest breakfast but it's something." Arrastra said placing four plates in front of them.

"You know you didn't have to do this." Star replied.

"I know but considering if you go out their your most likely to have your wallet stolen." She added.

"Good point. But right now I'm still wondering about those four. Something about them I don't like." Cardin replied.

"Agreed. Not to mention this whole town." May added.

"Well... it wasn't always like this you know." Arrastra said with a sad tone in her voice.

"It wasn't. What do you mean?" Velvet asked.

"This town was originally a place for good people to come and trade and actually live. Now... all those people that once lived here were driven out and replaced with all of these criminals and didn't have to look over our shoulders everyday wondering if we're going to make to another day or get shot." Arrastra began.

"Not much to do about now." She finished.

"Though what did Sil mean that we're on his list? Doesn't sound rather plesent." Star said.

Arrastra sighed before she spoke up "Apparently bringing you four from the outside has put you guys on their little hit list." She said which made everyone flinch at that.

"Hold on. As in their going to try and murder us." Cardin said.

"Yeah. Team SMMK is with a doubt a team for hire to help do anything that they're asked to do. Whether it be killing or smuggling drugs. Pretty much that's all that happens around here." Arrastra stated.

Velvet hummed a moment as if she got an idea "What's like the biggest threat here in Kuchinashi?" She asked.

"If you talking about the big boss then that will be Javi Pastel. There's practically nothing that goes on without him knowing. He lives up in the Pastel Estate in the Upper Cliffs. Trust me that is one place that you don't want to up. The higher you go the more dangerous the climb becomes." Arrastra replied.

"Okay. Guess the guy wants his privacy." Star stated.

"Yeah. Then their's the Lower Valley. That's where the most ciminal activity comes from. It was originally used to store food for the winter months but now even the criminals have taken it over." Arrastra added.

"And who runs that place?" May questioned.

"That would be Abigail Pyre. Dangerous woman that you don't want to mess with. Learned that the hard way." Arrastra said.

"You've fought her before. From the sounds of it you lost." Cardin added.

"Let's just say we both left scars on the other." She said gently lifting the sleeve of her leather armor showing a half an inch scar on her arm that looked like it went through and through.

"About took my arm off but I lived thankfully." Arrastra stated.

"That must've hurt." Velvet added looking at the scar before she folded the sleeve back down to cover the scar.

"Oh yeah. I was screaming to the high heavens after that but unless something is done then this town will never be the same." Arrastra commented.

Star had a thoughtful look on her face through the whole thing almost like she was coming to a conclusion. Then with a stern nod she came to a conclusion.

"What if we can help clean this place out? You know get rid of some of the major criminals. At least it'll make this place a little bit more liveable." Star replied but she only got a concerned look from Arrastra.

"Not sure how good of an idea that is. Your talking about going up against crime bosses and drug lords. Plus not to mention you have Team SMMK coming after you guys too." She stated.

"And? We're trained huntsmen. It's going to take more than this just to get us rattled." Star added as the other nodded.

"Besides I'm sure this town will be off without having those people around." May said.

Arrastra only sighed as she rubbed the base of her skull before speaking "If you all think you can I'm not going to stop you. If you do then make sure to watch each others back cause I really don't want to bail you guys out." Arrastra said.

"We'll be careful." Star replied as they finished up breakfast before starting their day.

Though Arrastra couldn't help but worry about those four as morning went on.

=SPIR=

The four of them left Arrastras house and decided to look around the place but made sure to take her warning when exploring about to watch out for Sil and his team as they wanted to avoid them as much as possible. Their first stop was the Central Strip as they entered a place what Arrastra called The Hedges.

"Alright everyone. Stay alert. This is the main marketplace here so make sure to keep track of your wallets so they don't get stolen. Also we might be able to find some information about whats going on that way we can detail a plan on it." Star informed as they stayed relatively close together as they entered the marketplace.

Almost immediately there were booths that were selling food and other items but most importantly Star noticed that most of the stand were selling high quality Dust at suprisingly reasonable prices though she didn't trust them as they were more than likely dust that was taken from the Schnee Dust Company.

They also saw that in the Central Strip was a huntsman academy that seemed to still be in operation as some students were filing in and out of the school.

"This place has an academy? That's new." Cardin stated.

"It probably rather hard to get to the other academies here in Mistral. Considering theirs both Sanctum and Haven." Velvet added.

"Hm... if I were a betting woman I would say this would be a good place to find some information about what's going on here." May suggested.

"We'll leave that for later and come back. Let's check out the rest of the town. Who knows maybe the Skillful might have something to look into." Star suggested as they moved away from the academy. However a certain black hair kid saw them leave as he started to follow them carefully from behind.

The four arrived at the Skillful as they headed inside and already noticed some huntsmen and huntresses were already their discussing their own business. Howeve they noticed a particular man talking to Opal.

He was an older man around thirty five with short dark blue hair that is slick back along with brown eyes. He wore some a black business suit with a red tie along with black dress shoes. Around his neck is some kind of gold necklace and he had two blurry men with him flanking each side of him and he was having some kind of conversation with Opal.

"Oh come now Opal. I didn't make the trip down here for you to just deny my offer. You can retire from this job as the owner of the Skillful with full benefits if you simply sign over the deed to me. I can solve all of your problems." The man said.

"Sorry I already you Javi. This tavern is staying in my possesion no matter what you say to me. Besides you'll just use it for another one of your base of operations. I know how you operate." Opal fired back venom in tone.

"Surely you get tired of throwing out those that want to cause a fight. Eventually you're going to come across someone that might just shoot you where you stand. I just don't want anything bad to happen to you." Javi said with a smile on his face.

"I told you my answer. Now get out!" She shouted.

"Maybe you need to understand your situation. You know that this place won't last much longer. It's only a matter of time." Javi said before motioning he and his men left the place but not before noticing the four of them that were standing their. He only seemed to smirk at the four of them as a shiver went up Star's spine.

"Ah you four must be the ones that Arrastra brought from the outside. Better be careful around here or might wind up knee deep in something you don't want." Javi said as he and his men left.

"Who was that?" Star asked watching him leave.

"That... is Javi Pastel. He's been trying to run me out for quite a few years and everytime he came up short. Not many people want to stand up to him." Opal replied.

"So he's the big boss around here." Cardin replied.

"Pretty much. So what can I do for you kids?" Opal asked.

"Well. You know a lot that happens around here. Maybe you can fill us in of what goes on in Kuchinashi." Star replied.

Opal only stared at them for a moment before she spoke "If you kids are thinking what I think then I'm going to stop you right their. If your betting on doing some damage then your only going to cause more problems." Opal said.

"From what Arrastra told us Kuchinashi was once a peaceful town before the criminals came and took over. You've been here the longest so what exactly happened?" Velvet asked.

Opal sort of sighed as she began to recall what happened.

"It was ten years ago. No grimm, no problems, and everyone can live in peace. Then one day we were suddenly up to our elbows in grimm with little huntsmen to take care of them. Over course they were killed by the grimm but then suddenly they stopped attacking and that was when Javi showed up. After that the grimm retreated like they were being commanded by something. After the town was fixed everything changed as ciminals and drug lords started pouring in. This tavern is the last thing standing between Javi and running all of Kuchinashi." Opal replied.

"So what are we suppose to do then?" May asked.

"If you're wanting to go after him... you go after Abigail." Opal said.

"Why her? Is she someone important?" Cardin questioned.

"She is. Abigail is in charge of the warehouse in the Lower Valley called The Hana Guild. That place hold many of the narcotics and weapons. Take out the guild and you'll severly weaken her hold." Opal replied.

"Seems easy enough." May said.

"Oh you may think so expect theirs one thing you need to know. The Lower Valley is heavily guarded. It won't be easy to get in." Opal stated.

"Okay that might make this more difficult than we thought." Star commented.

"If you're going then you'll need to stay cautious." Opal replied before returning to her normal job.

=SPIR=

Meanwhile Javi was walking through the main strip and was returning back to his airship with his men by his side. However something was on his mind or more like a certain person was on his mind when he left. He glanced to his man on his right and spoke.

"Jacob. That rabbit faunus in their that tavern. Did she look like a Scarlatina?" Javi asked.

"I wouldn't know that sir. There's only one other Scarlatina in Mistral." Jacob stated.

"Well then get me anything you have on that girl. I have a hunch that she could be useful to us." Javi ordered as the two men immediately got to work as Javi got on his airship and flew back to the his house on the Upper Cliffs.

Star and company left the tavern as they now have an objective. Though doing that would be nearly impossible if they want to take care of Abigail woman which according to Opal, Abigail is normally holed up their at the Hana Guild which is also in the Lower Valley.

"Okay so what's the plan?" Cardin asked.

"We still don't have a lot of information and we need to figure out a best way to get inside the Lower Valley without the guards spotting us. So I figure we split up into two teams. Velvet and I will look for more information in town while you and May go scout the Lower Valley and find any weak points we can expliot but make sure not to get caught." Star replied.

"Okay. Good luck on your search." Cardin said as he and May went another direction while Star and Velvet went into town.

"Where do we start looking?" Velvet asked.

"Well there is that academy we walked past earlier. Maybe someone there might know something." Star said as they headed toward the academy.

The two arrived at the academy and took notice of the students heading inside. They decided to head inside the academy to find out who might be able to talk to the headmaster. Almost immediately the inside of the academy was far different with many classrooms along with a long hallways that split in four directions. Next to it is a staircase that more than likely led to the head office.

"This academy is rather huge and so many students too." Velvet stated.

"You can say that again." Star added.

"Excuse me." A womans voice replied behind them. They turned to see a twenty eight year old woman standing their. She has short red hair and dull violet eyes. She wears a gray top with dark gray and gold on the sides, and a dark, dull teal colored chest section with the material ripping in the center giving a few of her cleavage. On top of this is a black jacket-like top with big loose gray cuffs, gold accents, on her right index finger is a silver ring.

She also wears a pair of black short-shorts with a big gold zipper on one side, a black and gold holster on her right leg, and white short boots with black on the bottom, underneath a pair of half-zipped gray and black leg sleeves.

"And just what are you girls doing here?" The woman asked crossing her arms.

"We're sorry but we're looking for the headmaster." Star answered. However the woman only glared at them.

"And just what business do you have with Headmaster Takaya. He's rather busy man so I'd suggest that you two-" The woman started but another person stopped her.

"Now Yuuki that's not how you treat our guests." A mans voice stated as they turned to see the man.

He was around thirty years old with short black hair and green eyes. He wears a white business suit with a gray undershirt underneath and a blue tie. He wears a pair of black dress shoes and a gold chain hanging from his pocket.

"H-Headmaster Takaya. My apologies sir but I was just about to show these girls the door as you are a rather busy at the time." Yuuki replied.

"Hm... I don't think I'm busy right now. So I can hear them out. Besides from the sounds of it they do seem to be in some sort of predicament." Takaya replied.

"Now why don't we all talk in my office." He stated as all four of them headed upstairs toward his office. They headed inside as it was a simple office with a wooden desk with a lamp on it along with a few books that sit on the desk. There is also shelves of other books that seemed to be in rather great shape.

Takaya went behind his deck before sitting down as Yuuki stood next to him with Star and Velvet standing in front of them.

"Now then. What can I help you young girls with? You don't exactly seem to be from around here." Takaya replied.

"You'd be right sir. We're from Beacon academy. We were on our way to Mistral when our airship crashed landed." Star replied.

"I see. Though I'm sure that's not what else you want to talk about." Takaya replied.

"Yes sir. We were told from Opal that this place was rather different than how it is now. Especially with all the criminals that came in ten years ago. We're wanting to help get rid of some of them. Including Javi Pastel." Velvet replied.

"He's a rather difficult man to get rid of considering how well he covers his tracks. Though I'm surprise that you all want to help especially when you're all so young still with your lifes ahead of you." Takaya stated.

"Let's just say we've been thrown from the frying pan and into the fire." Star added.

"I see. Though to be quite honest I'm not sure of how much help I can be especially with having an academy to run." He replied.

"That's true." Velvet added.

"However that doesn't mean I can't be of any use. Myself and Yuuki both know what happens around Kuchinashi that you should be aware of. More correctly about Team SMMK." Takaya replied.

"What about them? Other than they act like complete jerks." Star replied.

"Close but from what I know they are working with one of the people that you're wanting to go after. Abigail Pyre." Yuuki replied.

"Wait so that team is working with Abigail but isn't she working with Javi as well." Star added.

"That would be the case. Though you'll have to be extra careful around this team. Especially when its about there semblances." Yuuki explained.

"For Sil he can cover an area in darkness which makes great for ambush attacks. For Marton you don't want to use any dust cause he can nullify any sort of dust thats around him. Then you got Mina." Yuuki began.

"What about her? By my guess she's a spider faunus so I'm guessing something to do with webs." Star replied.

"You'd be right. She can make weapons from using her spider webs. However the only one that doesn't seem to posses a semblance but don't underestimate her as she is relatively strong against most opponents." Tayaka said.

"That would help if we know what were up against." Velvet added.

"Indeed. Just be extra careful around them as they will not be any easy team to overcome." Takaya stated.

"Is there anything else we need to know?" Star asked wanting to make sure that there weren't any other surprises.

"Well there is another thing to worry about. Javi and Abigail both have men at their disposal which make it rather difficult to get close to them and anyone that does they rather go missing or get killed in the process. If you can cut them off from their men then it shouldn't be a problem to handle them." Yuuki stated.

"And how do we do that?" Velvet questioned.

"More than likely they use a radio tower. Since were so high up in the clouds they can't use the CCT Tower to communicate so they improvised. If you can shut it down then they'll be completely cut off from any support." Yuuki answered.

"So if we find the radio tower and take it out then they'll be vunerable." Star clarified.

"Correct. Honestly it was about time that something was done about them. If we can get rid of them then Kuchinashi might be able to recover." Yuuki added.

"We'll do the best we can." Velvet assured.

"That's all we ask." Takaya said as both Star and Velvet left. However once they left Takaya couldn't help but ponder a moment which Yuuki noticed.

"Sir... is there something the matter?" She asked as he folded his fingers over each other.

"That rabbit faunus... she looks familiar to someone I used to know." He said.

"Are you sure?" Yuuki questioned.

"Positive and if my guess is correct she'll most likely be a target. Yuuki..." He paused but she already answered.

"Let me guess. You want me to keep an eye on them right. I can do that." Yuuki stated as she left the office to follow the two.

Meanwhile outside Velvet and Star left the academy and were now standing outside it as they began to ponder what they've discovered.

"Well there's really not much to go on." Star began.

"Yeah but we managed to figure out about that other team. Didn't know they were actually working for that Abagail and Javi as well. There probably not even huntsmen." Velvet added.

"They more than likely are. Like Opal said things work differently here so I would have to bet so do Team SMMK. I wouldn't be surprise if they are willingly working with them." Star said.

"Hopefully Cardin and May are doing better on their end." Velvet said as they walked back toward the Skillful. However in a nearby alley Sil and his group had watched the whole thing.

"So that's the girl we're going to snag." Mina replied.

"Yep. Apparently her semblance can be quite useful. We just got to get her alone and then it'll be easy pickings." Khaki added.

"Well can't do that if she's hanging around that fox all the time. What do we do about her?" Marton asked.

"Don't worry. I'll deal with her. She won't even know what hit her." Sil said as they have a task to do.

=SPIR=

Meanwhile with Cardin and May it took them around twenty minutes to get to the Lower Valley. Once they got their they've noticed the amount of large warehouses filling the entire area. More importantly there are guards roaming around the whole valley that they could only view it from a distance without them getting spotted.

"Talk about wanting to keep people out. The whole area is like a fortress." Cardin replied.

May was currently using her prosthetic eye to get a better view of everything in the area.

"You're not kidding there. I've counted around fifty armed guards with automatic weapons. Though the guards are more accumulated around the back of the area as there are about fifteen guard in that area along with turret defense systems." May replied.

"Do you think there's a point of entry?" He asked.

May looked around to locate any point of entry. However the front gate was blocked by guards so that was an immediate no. Though she did notice a gap big enough for them to fit into and it had just enough cover for all of them to hide in.

"West side of the area. Their's a gap we can use. I'm sure they haven't even noticed it." May said before concentrated on one of the warehouses.

"Wonder why there are so many guards at that point?" Cardin asked.

"Hold on. I'm going to switch to heat vision." May said as she blinked her prosthetic eye as she can now seeing their are anyone inside. There were a total of five people but one of them has a slender build so it was more than likely a female and probably older as well given the height.

"Five more inside. Though I think one of them is the person we're looking for." May said as she covered her eye.

"Alright at least we got some information to give to the others. Let's head back and tell them." Cardin said as they left the warehouse and began to walk back to the Skillful where they would meet back up.

After they all met back up they all explained the details of what they've found.

"So this Team SMMK is actually working with those two criminals. Honestly why am I not surprised by that. They look the type to do that." Cardin replied.

"Yeah but we also got to know their semblances as well thanks to the Headmaster and Yuuki. So that'll give us some form of an advantage incase we come across them again. More than likely we will." Star said.

"Even if we come prepared they won't be a team that'll go down easy." Velvet added.

"Then we need a counter strategy to fight against them." May stated.

"I'm working on that. Our biggest problem is Sil as his semblance is fit for ambush attacks. Marton can cancel dust and Mina can make weapons from her spider webs.. Khaki is the only wild card they've got cause we don't know her semblance. We'll have to plan for that." Star stated.

"Well we've managed to locate the warehouses. That place is built like a fortress. There's a point of entry on the west end of the compound that we can use to sneak in but we have to be care to not alert the guards. I'm already coming up with a plan to take it out but it'll take some time to do so." May replied.

"Yeah and we think that Abigail is their too after what we saw." Cardin added.

"Alright. We just need to plan what we're going to do. Let's head back to Arrastras and we'll come up with something there." Star replied as the four of them left the Skillful and made there way back to Arrastras. However behind the corner Yuuki was watching them as she knew that they'll be the next targets.

F3: And that's chapter 5. Looks like Star and the gang are going after a few gang leaders. How will that end and more importantly why is Velvet a target now? Let me know in the comments and don't forget to follow and/or favorite. With that said this is Fireuser3 and I'm Out.